Whatever the reason, be it a desire to stay active, learn new skills or earn needed income, many people are working later into their lives, according to Employment for Seniors, a nonprofit organization based in Columbus.

In response, for the past two decades, the organization has organized an annual event to assist people age 50 and older in keeping pace with evolving workforce demands and pre-employment expectations.

The Aug. 22 Senior Career Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.at Ohio State University's Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.

The free event will feature more than 20 career workshops -- including those focusing on resume "best practices," developing interview skills and a panel explaining "what employers want" -- as well as opportunities for prospective employees to meet directly with people seeking to hire workers.

"The career workshops make it a neat and useful event," said Carol Ventresca, Employment for Seniors executive director. "Often, these people haven't sought a job in 20 years or more.

"Many people also complain about going to job fairs ... when in actuality, their complaint is they can't meet potential employers. Here, you're actually talking to the person. You're not just emailing them or talking on the phone or filling out a job application online."

Ventresca noted that the U.S. Census projects 20 percent of the nation's population will be 65 or older by 2030, making mature job-seekers a significant block of the potential workforce.

According to a report by the National Council on Aging, the U.S. economic downturn that began in 2008 also affected older workers' savings and employment prospects.

In 2012, the report noted, more than 3.5 million Americans ages 55 or older had yet to retire. It also stated older adults who lose their jobs remain unemployed, on average, close to 20 weeks longer than those ages 25-34.

Last year, Ventresca said, more than 600 people attended the Senior Career Expo.

"There are fewer young people to take the place of older individuals who are actually retiring and leaving the job force," she said.

In addition to being free, there is no registration required to attend the Senior Career Expo.

The event's target audience is central Ohioans ages 50 or older, but no one will be turned away.

"They just need to come dressed for success with resumes in hand," Ventresca said. "We just encourage people to come and to realize they can find success."

Information about the expo is available at employseniors.org.

Prospective employment recruiters can register to participate by calling 614-863-1219 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.